BAM: 2 shuttlers suspended over match-fixing
They are provisionally suspended from competitions, says president
AS if one player was not bad enough, the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) yesterday confirmed that another local shuttler is under investigation by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) for match-fixing.
On Monday, the local badminton fraternity was rocked by allegations of match-fixing involving an independent shuttler, who has featured in priority tournaments such as the World Championships and All England.
After chairing the Coaching and Training (C&T) committee meeting at Akademi Badminton Malaysia, BAM president Datuk Seri Norza Zakaria confirmed that two professional players had been provisionally suspended from all competitions, as they were being investigated by the world body for match-fixing.
“Yes, we can confirm that we are in the loop, but it is a case that is handled by BWF.
“This definitely tarnishes the reputation of Malaysian badminton, so I want to make a very strong stand that BAM will not tolerate any form of match-fixing or gambling.
“I have informed the coaches and I want them to convey this to the players. It is very serious,” said Norza, who is also C&T chairman.
BAM general manager Michelle Chai said the players’ names could not be revealed, as it was confidential .
“BWF had written to us because they have a relationship with us as a member association, and as part of the process of writing to the players through us.
“Basically, we are the conduits, to pass the documents to the players, prior to them appointing their representatives.
“We have been informed about the suspended players and the processes that will take place. We have to be very careful in maintaining confidentiality.
“We have to ensure that they have a fair hearing and not a trial by the public or media.
“As this is a BWF investigation, we have to wait for them to make any announcement,” she said, adding that two separate letters were sent by BWF at the end of last year.
This is the first time Malaysian shuttlers have been linked directly to match-fixing. Under BWF’s rules and regulations, players can be banned for life if found guilty.
The shuttlers are also being investigated by the Malaysian AntiCorruption Commission (MACC).
MACC deputy chief commissioner (operations) Datuk Seri Azam Baki said investigations were still in the early stages.
“We have just received information. This kind of case rarely happens... this is something that is not the norm,” he said at Menara 1 Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur.
Present were MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Dzulkifli Ahmad and Kuala Lumpur Mayor Tan Sri Mhd Amin Nordin Abd Aziz